Esther 9:15

For the Jews that [were] in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

For the Jews {H3064} that were in Shushan {H7800} gathered themselves together {H6950} on the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} day {H3117} also of the month {H2320} Adar {H143}, and slew {H2026} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} men {H376} at Shushan {H7800}; but on the prey {H961} they laid {H7971} not their hand {H3027}.

So the Jews in Shushan assembled also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed 300 men in Shushan, but they did not touch the spoil.

On the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, the Jews in Susa came together again and put to death three hundred men there, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.

And the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men in Shushan; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.

Commentary

Esther 9:15 describes the continued defense of the Jewish people in Shushan, the capital city of the Persian Empire, on the fourteenth day of the month Adar. This verse highlights their decisive victory and their remarkable integrity in the face of their enemies.

Context

This verse follows the events of the thirteenth day of Adar, when the Jews across the 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus's empire defended themselves against those who sought to destroy them, as permitted by the king's counter-decree. The original decree, instigated by Haman's wicked plot, had marked the thirteenth of Adar for their annihilation. However, Queen Esther, after the initial day of victory, requested an additional day for the Jews in Shushan to complete their defense and hang Haman's ten sons (Esther 9:13-14). Verse 15 details the outcome of this extended period of self-preservation within the capital.

Key Themes

  • Continued Deliverance and Justice: The additional day in Shushan allowed for the full execution of justice against the enemies of the Jews within the heart of the empire. The slaying of 300 more men indicates the pervasive nature of the threat and the thoroughness of their defense.
  • Integrity and Purity of Motive: The repeated phrase, "but on the prey they laid not their hand," found also in Esther 9:10 and Esther 9:16, is highly significant. It underscores that the Jews' actions were purely for self-defense and the preservation of their lives, not for personal gain, plunder, or revenge. This moral restraint sets their victory apart.
  • Foundation for Purim: The events of both the 13th and 14th of Adar, particularly in Shushan, laid the groundwork for the establishment of the festival of Purim, celebrated on the 14th and 15th of Adar, commemorating God's miraculous deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "laid not their hand" on the prey directly translates the Hebrew, emphasizing their deliberate choice to abstain from taking spoils. This restraint was a powerful demonstration of their righteous cause, distinguishing them from conquerors motivated by greed.

Practical Application

Esther 9:15 reminds us that even when facing overwhelming threats and given the right to defend ourselves, maintaining integrity and righteous motives is paramount. The Jews' refusal to take plunder illustrates that true victory is not just about overcoming opposition, but doing so with a pure heart, focused on justice and preservation rather than personal enrichment. It also highlights the importance of decisive action when under attack, coupled with a commitment to honorable conduct. God's providential hand guides and empowers His people to stand firm, even in the most perilous circumstances.

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Cross-References

  • Esther 9:10 (3 votes)

    The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

  • Esther 8:11 (3 votes)

    Wherein the king granted the Jews which [were] in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, [both] little ones and women, and [to take] the spoil of them for a prey,

  • Psalms 118:7 (2 votes)

    The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me.

  • Psalms 118:12 (2 votes)

    They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

  • Esther 9:2 (2 votes)

    The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

  • Esther 9:16 (2 votes)

    But the other Jews that [were] in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

  • Hebrews 13:5 (2 votes)

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.